French President Accuses Left-Wing Extremists of Attempting to 'Overthrow the Republic' and Bans Protests
French President Emmanuel Macron accused left-wing extremists of attempting to overthrow the Republic and announced a ban on unorganized protests by unions, with the army summoned to protect property following violent riots.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
London, October 22 (KUNA) – French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday accused far-left extremist groups of attempting to “overthrow the Republic,” and announced a ban on all demonstrations not organized by trade unions, following the violence and riots that marred last Saturday’s protests.
In a speech delivered from the Élysée Palace, Macron stated that illegal demonstrations would not be permitted to assemble or march, while union-organized protests would be allowed to proceed along alternative routes away from shops and commercial centers. He also confirmed that the military would be deployed to protect cities and public and private property from potential acts of vandalism, accusing far-left extremists of being behind the destruction and looting that occurred last Saturday in an attempt to “overthrow the Republic.”
The announcement came after Macron held a meeting with security and intelligence leaders. Earlier, the city council of Lyon had declared a ban on all demonstrations, particularly those expected on the upcoming Saturday.
Last Saturday, several French cities witnessed violent protests and riots, including the burning of government buildings and the looting of shops, while police arrested hundreds of individuals suspected of disrupting public order. (End) M.R.N. / T.M.A.
